Wind-induced leaning (toppling) in young Pinus radiata plantations in Chile Inclinación por viento en plantaciones juveniles de Pinus radiata, en Chile

Abstract

The toppling of young trees considerably reduces the value of the first log in Pinus radiata plantations. Although wind is the main cause of toppling, the quality and type of plants, planting techniques, soil fertility and soil preparation may play an important role in the susceptibility of the species to toppling. This article analyzes the influence of ripping and soil type on the probability of P. radiata toppling after severe windstorms in central south Chile. To this aim, pairs of similar trees with and without toppling were selected in 2001 in six soil types with and without soil ripping. Root system differences in toppled versus straight trees were compared to gain better insight into the causes of the phenomenon. Among all root measurements, the quality of the tap root measured through the Menzies scale was significantly correlated with the probability of toppling. Trees with a strong, dominant and well-developed tap root (Menzies value equal to zero) showed a toppling probabili